BREAKING NEWS — Olympic swimming champion Caeleb Dressel has ignited a wave of controversy after declaring that he would retire from the U.S. national team if tickets are sold to LGBT athletes. His remarks, which quickly went viral, have divided fans and prompted an urgent response from World Aquatics, the sport’s international governing body.
In a shocking statement, Dressel reportedly said:
“We don’t compete to celebrate their stupid pride.”
He went on to compare LGBT athletes to Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who has been at the center of gender inclusion debates, calling her a “fraud.” Dressel added:
“If you want equality, why be proud?”
The comments immediately sparked backlash across social media, with many accusing the Olympic gold medalist of promoting discrimination and intolerance. Supporters of the LGBT community called for disciplinary action, while others defended his right to express personal beliefs.
World Aquatics has since confirmed that it is reviewing the matter, stating in a brief release:
“We are aware of the statements attributed to Mr. Dressel and are assessing the situation according to our code of ethics and conduct.”
Dressel, widely regarded as one of the most talented swimmers of his generation, has yet to issue a formal apology or clarification. His remarks come at a time when the sports world continues to grapple with issues of inclusion, fairness, and freedom of expression.
As the controversy unfolds, both fans and fellow athletes await further action from governing bodies — and from Dressel himself.
BREAKING NEWS — Olympic swimming champion Caeleb Dressel has ignited a wave of controversy after declaring that he would retire from the U.S. national team if tickets are sold to LGBT athletes. His remarks, which quickly went viral, have divided fans and prompted an urgent response from World Aquatics, the sport’s international governing body.
In a shocking statement, Dressel reportedly said:
“We don’t compete to celebrate their stupid pride.”
He went on to compare LGBT athletes to Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who has been at the center of gender inclusion debates, calling her a “fraud.” Dressel added:
“If you want equality, why be proud?”
The comments immediately sparked backlash across social media, with many accusing the Olympic gold medalist of promoting discrimination and intolerance. Supporters of the LGBT community called for disciplinary action, while others defended his right to express personal beliefs.
World Aquatics has since confirmed that it is reviewing the matter, stating in a brief release:
“We are aware of the statements attributed to Mr. Dressel and are assessing the situation according to our code of ethics and conduct.”
Dressel, widely regarded as one of the most talented swimmers of his generation, has yet to issue a formal apology or clarification. His remarks come at a time when the sports world continues to grapple with issues of inclusion, fairness, and freedom of expression.
As the controversy unfolds, both fans and fellow athletes await further action from governing bodies — and from Dressel himself.
